Friday, March 10, 2017

ReFoReMo Day 11: Nina Laden Explores Multi-Layers

These five books are multi-layered both in art and writing.
Four of them are non-fiction biographies and the fifth, “A Child of Books,”
though fiction, could be the story of my life. I am working on creating a
graphic memoir of my own childhood and I love the collage aspects of all of
these amazing books. They are all visually, texturally, and verbally exciting
and dynamic.

Nina is giving away a signed copy of IF I HAD A LITTLE DREAM. To be eligible, be sure to comment on this post and strive to read mentor texts daily.

Nina Laden has written and illustrated books since she could
hold a crayon. She grew up in New York City, the daughter of two artists, but
now she lives on Lummi Island, WA and in her imagination. She is represented by
Laura Rennert at Andrea Brown Literary Agency.

Oh Jen, you hit the nail on the head. Thanks Nina for highlighting three books with distinct authors and illustrators. Great books to study for the layers that text supplies and yet leaves open for the illustrators.

Thank you, Nina. It's true that the multi-layered trend we're seeing in pbs is just wonderful. I think this has grown out of the art journaling movement, and I especially love Melissa Sweet's approach to the last few pb bios that she has illustrated. Exciting to hear that you are planning a graphic memoir!!

You've highlighted some great books that use effective multi-layering. And I am so glad you did because you mentioned one I am not familiar with: Cloth Lullaby. It looks wonderful. I need to find this book!

Nina I look forward to reading your suggestions. There are many ways to create a mood and understanding through the written word and the illustrations that enhance the text of the book. Thank you for your post.

Loved Some Writer! Such a great way to present a biography to children AND to adults. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and congrats on your talents as an illustrator. Without illustrators, where would we picture book authors be?

I need to thank you for introducing me to A Poem for Peter and Some Writer. A few months ago, I read Charlotte's Web again for the first time in years, and found myself crying on a New York City transit train in public over a dead spider. In my adult life, E.B. White managed to touch me again, this time even more (I am a HUUUGE pig lover). This morning, also on the train during my snowy commute to NYC, Pinkney's words on equality and opportunity presenting itself like a whole new world on a snowy day, well, that just couldn't have been more timely or appropriate for this very morning and this very America. It was beautiful, and these texts were a wonderful mesh of art, words, and emotion.

Great post, Nina! I'm obsessed with A Child of Books, and I've gifted it to every child in my immediate and extended family! I also love the Story of E. B. White. Nearly 30 years after I first read Charlotte's Web to my children, I cried again when reading it to my grandchildren.

Nina,I love your book choices. Some writer the story of EB White is so rich visually and in reading enhanced my love for EB Whites work. A Child of Books is so creative. I'm glad you brought it to my attention.

The cool thing about your selection is that it shows such varied ways to incorporate collage. Just like drawing and painting can have so many styles, collage can be soft, bright, informative, abstract, etc. Thank you!

Thank you for these recommendations! I have always loved collage. In A Poem for Peter collage is such a fitting illustration technique because the text and illustrations weave together past, present, reality, imagination, and even other books.

I have to start by saying one of my all-time favorite books is "Once Upon a Memory." I go back to it again and again. :-) Thanks for your suggestions for multi-layered books. I've only read half and I'm looking forward to reading the others. So glad you're working on a graphic memoir. Good luck! Can't wait to read it. (Mary McClellan)

I love collage-heavy books. I'm thinking back to a childhood filled with the like of Eric Carle, and how I loved making collages in art class. As someone who's sort of taken for granted that I should submit text-only manuscripts, it empowers me to remember that collage art has a very significant place in children's literature.

The collages are really quite spectacular. I was also particularly impressed with the story & text of A Poem For Peter, which I've heard about for months but had not managed to read yet. Thanks for suggesting a great group of mentor texts! Liz Tipping

Thanks for the great reading selections! There are a couple here that I might not have chosen on my own--love that ReFoReMo opens my eyes to new books. I especially loved Radiant Child and A Poem for Peter--beautiful writing, amazing books.

Thank you for these suggestions. I have to read "Some Writer" still, but what beautiful books. As an illustrator I love books that work hand in hand with the illustrations. These are definitely books I will be adding to my library. Thank you for your post!

What's wonderful about ReFoReMo is looking at the mentor books together. Love your "multi-layered" comment - each of these books are truly that. The struggles and the passion of each individual shines through, and grounds each story --- even more so as we compare and contrast each book. Great post.

I never thought about the layers of a book until I went to write one myself. As a reader, I had only enjoyed the complexity of the stories...I didn't analyze why I loved the book so much. But now I am beginning to understand a lot better. ;) The books you listed are absolutely beautiful...I've read three...must get the other two! Thank you for a wonderful post!

Thank you for reminding me that picture books are not just words! As a writer, I tend to focus on what I do and not look at the many layers that transform a book into something beautiful. I also just ordered your books and can't wait to get them!

I used to spend hours scrapbooking and have always kept visual journals. It's the combinations between expressing myself in writing and in art that really makes me happiest! Good luck on your memoir! (And thanks for sharing your insights!)

All of these books are so visually entrancing which has everything to do with the illustrations. But I see how the art chosen to go with the words created this reading bliss. Had it not been those exact words, the illustrator may not have chosen that specific artwork to go with. Great eye Nina!

Thanks for pointing out these books with layered illustration, Nina. I had the pleasure of seeing a children's book art exhibit at Brandywine River Museum last fall and got to see some of Melissa Sweet's work in person. It was even better than in the books--and the books are amazing.

These are some of the most beautiful titles on my shelves. I even have a signed copy of "Some Writer" that I handle delicately --- I know it will eventually show the signs of love I have for it. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on them. :)

I was just reading another source about the added value of multi-layer books. The author reminded writers not to force in extra layers, but so many stories/concepts seem to naturally include them. Thank you for sharing.